Journal For Fairs

Summer Fun and Classic Cars
Gilchrist, Oregon - July 20, 2002

This was a one day affair, a very small venue with only seven vendors. I took a varied inventory, almost completely polymer clay, and discovered it was WAY overpriced for the area. I only sold two items totalling $11, but I am still not disappointed. This year is a learning curve; next year I will have a different inventory the local attendees can afford. The good point was almost everyone stopped and fingered almost every item within reach. I am greatly encouraged as this indicates they are interested and intrigued. I garnered many compliments about originality and versatility of the medium. A few polymer clayers were amazed at the intricacey and were able to evaluate the work that went into the pieces - agreeing my prices were reasonable for the items - but they still didn't buy. *grin* (Why should they? They can probably make the items themselves! heehee)

What did I learn? Well - I left a few things behind I needed: scotch tape, twine, boxes to go under the table cloths. I could've consolidated everything onto one table, it was spread out too much. The tables need to be a little busier to make it look like I have more inventory. Cluttered but not chaos. I need to dump the moss covered limbs as props for items as the viewers often didn't even see the Wildwood Hairstix stabbed in the moss. So I'll use the branches, maybe, in the background or overhead once I build my freestanding booth. I need a way to make the gate, window sill and mirrors free standing. I need to find another gate and use the two to bracket the ends of any table I might use. I am trying to get completely away from tables, though. I need lighting.